NBA Swing: Is a Giannis to Golden State the Best Move for Everyone Involved?

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On Wednesday, ESPN insider Shams Charania delivered a bombshell that shifted the entire landscape of the NBA: after months of growing frustration, Milwaukee Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo is officially ready for a new home. Whether it happens before the February 5th trade deadline or in the upcoming offseason, the Bucks have begun listening to aggressive offers for the two-time MVP.

As of late January, the Bucks find themselves in a tailspin. They sit at 18–28, 12th in the Eastern Conference, and are currently without Giannis, who is sidelined with a right calf and soleus strain. The superstar forward recently told reporters he expects to be out for four to six weeks, effectively keeping him off the floor until the trade deadline has passed.

Why the Golden State Warriors are the Frontrunner

While glamour markets like Miami and New York are perennial threats, the Golden State Warriors have emerged as a unique suitor with the perfect mix of desperation and assets. A trade to the Bay Area would pair Giannis with Stephen Curry for a late-career title push, but the logic extends far beyond the court.

The Asset Chest: Draft Capital

The Bucks’ primary goal in moving a franchise icon is a total reset. Golden State can offer exactly what a rebuilding team craves: high-value, unprotected picks that extend into the post-Curry era. The Warriors currently control:

Own 2026 1st Round Pick
Own 2028 1st Round Pick
Own 2030 1st Round Pick (Top-20 protected)
Own 2032 1st Round Pick

With Curry approaching 38, those late-decade picks (2030 and 2032) could easily become top-five selections if the Warriors fall into a rebuild after his retirement.

The Trade Pieces: Moving “Untouchable” Talent

To acquire a player of Giannis’ stature, the Warriors would have to gut their depth and young core. The salary matching is also complex; Giannis earns $54.1 million this season, necessitating a massive contract going back to Milwaukee.

Player	2025–26 Salary	Status/Role
Jimmy Butler	$54.1M	Out for season (ACL tear); necessary for salary matching.
Jonathan Kuminga	$22.5M	High-upside forward with a $24.3M team option for 2026–27.
Brandin Podziemski	$3.6M	Previously “untouchable” guard, a Milwaukee native who fits a rebuild.
Trayce Jackson-Davis	$2.2M	Reliable young big man on a team-friendly deal.
Draymond Green	$25.8M	Defensive anchor; unlikely to be moved if the goal is to win with Giannis.

The “Butler” Catch: Warriors GM Mike Dunleavy Jr. reportedly assured Jimmy Butler he wouldn’t be traded following his season-ending ACL injury—unless a player like Giannis or LeBron James became available. With Antetokounmpo now on the market, that exception is officially in play.

Analyzing Other Suitors

Minnesota Timberwolves: Rumors suggest Giannis is enamored with playing alongside Anthony Edwards, but the Wolves are “pick-poor” and would likely have to part with Julius Randle or Rudy Gobert just to make the math work.
Miami Heat: The Heat always compete, but their offer would likely center on Tyler Herro, a player who has struggled to draw significant trade interest across the league. A trio of Giannis, Bam Adebayo, and the recently acquired Norman Powell would be formidable, but perhaps not a championship favorite.

The Final Countdown

With the 2026 trade deadline just days away, Milwaukee faces a franchise-defining decision. They can wait until the summer, but Giannis will then have more leverage as his contract nears its end. If the Bucks want to maximize their return while “doing right” by their legend, sending him to Golden State to form the most anticipated duo in modern NBA history may be the best path forward.